Concerns over 'bonkers' changes at Ullapool High School slammed as 'draconian' by parents
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CONCERNS have been raised over "drastic" changes at a Wester Ross school amid allegations of 'draconian' behaviour from staff'.
Concerns have been raised by parents and students alike following changes deemed 'bonkers' at Ullapool High School (UHS), including 'supervised study periods' held in 'exam–style conditions', reduced lessons, and 'draconian behaviour from staff'.
The changes came with new UHS head teacher Caroline Boyd, who joined the school in June 2022, and previously taught in Aberdeen and Moray. UHS caters for around 200 pupils from across the rural west coast, including Scoraig, Lochinver, Achiltibuie, Badcaul and Dundonnell.
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One parent of an Ullapool High School student said: "Somehow, for many subjects the three most important exam groups (National 4, National 5 and Highers) had been put together in combined classes.This means sharing one teacher and classroom, between all three of those year groups.
"The number of lessons has also been drastically reduced – far fewer periods than should be expected for many subjects. These changes mean far less dedicated time with a subject–teacher for each student.
"To fill up these timetable gaps created, there are now far more study periods, with many students having days made almost entirely of study periods, meaning it's hardly worth making the hour–long bus trip for many students who don't live in Ullapool.
"In some cases, there are students having whole days which are nothing but study periods, no actual lessons. Which seems bonkers.
"In these study periods, students are reporting draconian behaviour from staff including the head teacher: limited in talking, drinking, toilet breaks, etc. The students report that they often having to sit in exam–style conditions at separate desks during their free periods. The same strict policing is reported for issues like minor lateness between classes.
"As a parent, I'm very concerned about what's happening. There currently a crisis of poor mental wellbeing in the young, so the students need more support in subject–teacher led education – not less. The students need more opportunities for social contact in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, not more causes of anxiety and isolation.
"In the last few days we've had a letter sent out to us from the head teacher, which seemed to place more importance on appearances to visitors to the school, instead of the wellbeing and rights of the students. The letter also didn't address the issues of combined classes and reduced lessons with teachers. Unless something is done, the parents/carers and students will consider further action.
The letter sent out to UHS's S6 pupils, was shown to Ross-shire Journal, was to provide 'background about decisions made'.
The letter written by head teacher Caroline Boyd explains the reasoning behind the new 'supervised study periods' which replace the student's 'free periods'.
The letter states: "A significant number of S5 pupils (now S6), did not use their study time wisely. Members of staff, repeatedly, raised concerns about pupils sitting socialising on the concourse when they had work to complete for courses.Visitors to the school also commented on the behaviour of these individuals e.g. 'gosh, there is a right party going on there'. This does nothing for the reputation of the school.
"Supervised study periods were introduced to support our new S6 pupils to maximise their potential and to help build an ethos of ambition across the school."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Supervised study periods were introduced at the start of the new timetable. Following concerns raised by some S6 pupils and parents, these will now be a combination of supervised and unsupervised study periods. S6 pupils also have the option of signing out of school or going to the S6 room. This is in line with schools across Scotland and will provide students with a quiet area to complete their work, if they wish to utilise this.
"National and Higher classes are allocated 5 periods per week – this is in line with schools across Scotland. There is a combined National 4, National 5, and Higher class in History, Art and Music. It is common place for small secondary schools to have combined classes with differentiation within them. This allows small schools to offer a wider range of subjects.”
